SPAIN’S Costa Daurada simply translates as the Golden Coast.

It’s named after the colour of the sand when the sun shines along its 50 miles of Mediterranean beaches, running south- west from Barcelona.

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I hadn’t taken the time to explain its meaning to my children while sitting in the departures lounge at Stansted Airport.

But it was the first that thing they exclaimed as they dived into the surf three hours later.

“Daddy, there’s gold in the water!”

They weren’t wrong. Tiny grains of sand floating in the crystal-clear sea shone like a golden twinkling disco ball suspended in the sun’s rays.

My two grew up paddling in the familiar dark-grey murk of the North Sea.

So they were certainly thrilled to be snorkelling in 34C sunshine off Platja dels Pilans.

The beach was just a ten-minute walk from our Eurocamp holiday home at the Playa Montroig Resort, in Miami Platja. And that was just as stunning.

Our Ultimate lodge slept six in comfort — with efficient air-conditioning that came into its own on during our scorching summer holiday.

Outside, comfy patio furniture on the shaded decking was perfect for chilling at any time of day, and the dining table and chairs were great for al-fresco meals.

The beachside resort is a 20-minute drive from Reus Airport, and around an hour from Barcelona.

And it lives up to its 5H rating, with immaculate grounds, three restaurants, a beach bar and round-the-clock entertainment for both kids and grown-ups.

On our first night, a magician sawed his glamorous assistant in half to the wonder of watching children.

The same stage hosted intense-looking exercise classes in the mornings, which were definitely not for the hungover.

And by the afternoon it had turned into a kid-friendly Ibiza foam party with huge cannons coating the dancing crowds in clouds of bubbles.

Gigs on the beach, fireworks, and a swimming pool complex with triple-flume action only added to the fun.

The poshest restaurant on site was the Espai Grill, which offered a full three courses of prime meats, with courtyard entertainment from a Beatles tribute band.

Unfussy and simple

Mid-tier was the Terrassa Restaurant, which served traditional Spanish fare and cold lagers, just a stone’s throw from the main square.

Our favourite was the Tucanamar beach bar.

Unfussy and simple, fresh fish and meat were grilled here over woodsmoke and washed down with copious Del Boy cocktails.

You can’t beat tapas and an ice-cold mojito while overlooking the waves with sand at your feet.

There was a bakery for morning baguette runs, and a decent-sized supermarket which offered the wonderful European adventures of 15 types of chocolate spread and tinned olives.

Never has the gulf between a British booze aisle, and alcohol on the Continent, been so vast.

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You could get three bottles of tip-top rioja and a slab of beers for the price of a petrol station chardonnay back home.

For a spot of offsite culture, we headed to the town of Montroig del Camp, which was famed as the rural retreat of the late Catalan painter and surrealist icon Joan Miro.

He began his painting career here at his parents’ farmhouse retreat and the landscape was the inspiration for some of his most famous works.

Montroig del Camp is overlooked by the remarkable 13th-century hermitage of Our Lady of the Rock, which is itself topped by the 19th-century Chapel of Sant Ramon.

Perched on top of a column of eroded red rock, it defies physics while also offering panoramic views all the way to the coast.

Wildlife and waterfalls

Thankfully, you can park at the top before clambering up to the chapel.

We then took the short drive to Cambrils to see the beautiful botanical gardens at Parc Sama.

It’s like a National Trust stately-home experience parachuted into the Med.

The wonderful 35-acre grounds are packed with wildlife and waterfalls.

You can feed the deer and marvel at the terrapins in the lake where fish will nibble your fingertips.

But it’s the peacocks that are the star of the show.

Chicks beside showboating grown-ups, and even their rare white- feathered cousins, strut among the tourists.

The coastal capital is Tarragona, home to the ruins of a magnificent Roman amphitheatre and an amazing 12th century Cathedral.

But it’s human structures that are the modern marvel — the city hosts the Castells competition, the world’s largest human tower contest.

The gravity-defying, centuries-old Catalan tradition sees incredible towers created from the crowds which stand up to 40ft high.

A wonderful life-size city centre-statue pays soaring tribute to their efforts.

There’s no doubt that the Costa Daurada, with all its sun-soaked family fun and Catalonian culture, delivers a gold-star break.

BRITISH Airways has cancelled all its flights from a major city airport in a shock move.

The airline reportedly contacted passengers last night to tell them their flights from Southampton Airport would no longer be going ahead next summer.

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A BA spokesperson confirmed: “We are suspending our summer 2025 operations from Southampton Airport and contacting any affected customers with options including rebooking on an alternative flight with us or another airline or a full refund.”

The reason behind the decision is not yet known.

The airline previously ran flights from the city airport to Bergerac, Faro, Malaga, Majorca and Chambery.

These were operated at weekends through BA CityFlyer – a subsidiary running domestic and European flights from Southampton as well as London City.

The Southampton flights were launched on 29 May, 2021 to 11 destinations in the UK, Spain, Portugal, Greece, France and Germany.

The news comes just four months after BA launched its two latest routes from the airport – Bergerac and Majorca.

And it comes just a year after Southampton Airport’s 164m extension to its existing runway.

It was thought that this extension would allow larger aircrafts – and therefore more flights – to take off from the airport, with local MP Paul Holmes saying it would “unlock potential”.

Southampton is not the only airport affected by BA suspensions recently.

Last month, the airline shockingly announced it would be suspending flights between London Heathrow and Beijing from October – one of its “most important routes”.

This followed a three-year pause in London-to-Beijing operations due to Covid.

When approached by the Sun for comment, a spokesperson for Southampton Airport said: “Clearly it’s disappointing when any route is removed, however, we are in constant dialogue with airlines regarding the introduction of new services and that includes backfilling the routes withdrawn by British Airways.”

IF you’re looking to whizz off aboard a Wizz Air flight this summer then you’ll be wanting to select the best seats without any extra cost.

Book wisely using our guide to secure you and your family the best seats aboard the Wizz Air Airbus 320 and 321 aircraft.

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Wizz Air have been dubbed the ‘most sustainable low-cost airline’ four years in a row, but what can passengers expect from their experience aboard the Airbus Airbus 320 and 321.

The budget airline celebrated the arrival of the GTF-powered Airbus Airbus 320 aircraft to its fleet of 153 aircraft in 2022. 

Both the Airbus 320 and 321 operate in short-haul flights with Wizz Air offering snacks and beverages for purchase on most of their flights.

Although the two aircrafts look almost identical, their size and seating plan vary.

The Airbus 320 offers 180 seats, whereas the Airbus 321 is larger, offering 230 seats in comparison.

Your holiday begins the minute you board the plane, so why not make your journey as comfortable as possible by using the SunTravel seating guide map.

Extra leg room

If you’re tall or like to spread out on a flight, then it will be the extra leg room you’re after.

There are specific economy seats that provide the space you need – you just have to know where they are.

According to the flight map for both the Wizz Air Airbus 320 & 321 the seats with extra leg are as follows:

Passengers needing the extra space on either aircraft should opt for any seat between A – F on row 1.

Row 1 seats tend to get booked up fast but there’s plenty more to choose from.

If your aircraft is the Wizz Airbus 320, any seat between A – F on row 13 will provide the extra leg room you need.

Seats A – F on row 12 also offer extra leg room, but these particular seats do not recline.

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If you find yourself allocated a flight onboard the Wizz Airbus 321 then seats B,C,D and E on row 12, and seats A,B,C and F on row 26 will provide extra leg room.

Row 10 also offer extra leg room in seats A – E, but do bare in mind these particular seats have a limited recline which could make napping quite uncomfortable.

Seats to avoid

If your first choice of seats are booked, then your next best bet is to know which seats to avoid.

Onboard the Wizz Airbus 320 passengers should avoid seat A – F on Row 30 – due to their close proximity to the toilets and the cabin -you’re likely to be disturbed throughout your flight.

The seats may also have limited recline for the same reason, and there is no window on the last row of the plane.

It’s also worth noting there is no window available in seats A and F of Row 20.

Onboard the Wizz Airbus 321 passengers should avoid seat A – F on row 39 as your seats will have no recline, and you’re likely to be disturbed by passengers getting up to use the toilet closeby.

Seat A and F on row 26 have legroom but no window.

Best views

Being situated by the wing of the aircraft guarantees the best skyline snaps.

For the best views onboard the Airbus 321 passengers are urged to book seat A or F on row 10.

And if you’re onboard the Airbus 320, seat A and F on row 9 are the seats to look out for.

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Head start on snacks

If you want to be among one of the first passengers to be served refreshments then it’s best to book a seat in either the first two rows or the last two near the back of the plane.

Seat A – F on row 1 or row 30 on the Airbus 320 will get you first dibs on snacks.

With trolley carts circulating from both the front and the back of the aircraft, these seats are your best bet but the downside you’re likely to be disturbed by other passengers using the toilets.

Similarly, for the Airbus 321 any seat on row 1 and 39 will mean you’re close to the gallery where snacks are prepared.

Take a nap

If passengers find themselves on an overnight flight you might like to get some sleep.

Window seats give passengers the best chance at having an uninterrupted snooze.

This is because other passengers won’t need to ask you to move when they take a trip to the toilet.

Check The Sun’s flight map to see where all the window seats are located on both aircrafts.

Getting off the plane first

If you hate waiting around and you’re keen to start your holiday then beat the queues by booking a seat in the front five rows of both the Airbus Wizz 320 and 321.

Failing that, you’re guaranteed to get off the plane quicker by simply booking an aisle seat, because you’ll have a head start at finding your hand luggage.

Flight compensation rules

A look at your rights if a flight is delayed or cancelled, when your entitled to compensation and if your travel insurance can cover the costs.

What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed?

Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late.

If you’re flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight.

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You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven’t used yet.

So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded.

But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline.

When am I not entitled to compensation?

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The airline doesn’t have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather.

Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other ‘extraordinary circumstances’ are not eligible for compensation.

Some airlines may stretch the definition of “extraordinary circumstances” but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled?

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If you can’t claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you.

Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer.

Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof.

If your flight is cancelled entirely, you’re unlikely to be covered by your insurance.

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AS the cost-of-living crisis continues, families may be looking for a fun day out that won’t break the bank.

TripAdvisor has revealed its top attractions to visit in England completely free of charge – and it ranges from a 500ft-high garden to the so-called “museum of the world”.

Natural History Museum

Science and natural history enthusiasts should look no further than the Natural History Museum.

Its dinosaur specimens and replicas are world-famous – and include part of the first Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton ever discovered.

The building, in South Kensington, London, is one of the city’s most spectacular attractions in itself.

Although some exhibitions may have an entry fee, general admission to the museum is completely free.

Sky Garden

London’s highest public garden, Sky Garden, is perched at the top of a skyscraper in the heart of the city.

On the 43rd floor of the Fenchurch Building in east London, the garden offers panoramic views of the capital from a height of over 500ft.

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As well as the iconic glass-domed landscape gardens, it’s got observation decks and an open-air terrace.

And, if you’re willing to part with a little cash, you can even enjoy a drink or meal at one of the bars or restaurants.

Make sure to book a slot in advance to enjoy this free attraction.

The British Museum

The British Museum has one of the largest collections in the world – of eight million works – and it’s totally free to access.

The museum is 271 years old and located in Bloomsbury, London.

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With relics dating back 1.8 million years, it’s the perfect historical day out for families.

Plus, it is set to have a huge multi-million-pound makeover soon.

The museum is a hit with visitors, with nearly 54,000 five star reviews on TripAdvisor.

The Shambles

The Shambles is a historic street in York city centre, dating back to the medieval times.

It was once a street of butchers shops – and you can still find many original 14th century buildings there.

It is Europe‘s most visited street.

It’s just a twenty-minute walk from York Station and can be explored completely for free.

Victoria and Albert Museum

The V&A is the world’s biggest museum of art and design, founded by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1852.

It’s located in Kensington, London, and houses exhibitions for all ages.

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From July to September, it ran a Taylor Swift exhibition, complete with 13 iconic costumes donated by the singer.

It is entirely admission free.

I HAVE always loved a city that can be navigated by foot.

Not only because you can tick off all the sights with ease but burning off the calories means you can gorge on the local grub guilt-free.

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That is something I’d been doing a lot of in Porto, where gooey custard tarts can be picked up on almost every street for around €1.

Portugal’s second largest city is close to the country’s northern coast, with the River Douro cutting through its centre.

It’s not just custard tarts, known here as pastel de nata, that I’d been gobbling.

The region is known for its traditional food which includes bacalhau (salted cod fish) and the Francesinha toasted sandwich layered with assorted hot meats and cheeses then smothered in a rich beer sauce and served with French fries.

The sandwich is a ritual for after a good few inexpensive port cocktails.

After all, if there’s one thing this city is known for other than food, it’s port.

Here, this fortified wine is not just associated with Christmas and to be paired only with your favourite stilton or Stinking Bishop, it’s served year round in all the restaurants and bars.

Never tried it before? Well, think of a vibrant red wine that’s sweet and with depth — just like the Tripeiros (the slang name given to Porto’s charming inhabitants).

The Douro Valley has been making port since Roman times, but it was in the 17th century that port wine as we know it today was born when Brits fortified the booze in order to maintain its quality while transporting it by sea.

And you can learn all about the process at the World of Wine in the historic heart of nearby Gaia.

A short distance from the city centre within an old port warehouse, the attraction is made up of seven museums, 12 restaurants and bars, several shops and even a wine school.

For proper wine enthusiasts, the Wine Experience is a must-do, allowing visitors to get hands-on with tastings and immersive artwork, all while learning the grape-to-bottle process.

Of course, this doesn’t beat a proper tasting. And Sandeman’s Quinta do Seixo winery is the place to do it.

You can sample the good stuff, along with nibbles, on a terrace overlooking the lush valley and river below.

The vineyards are a sight to behold, dazzling in colour, and the wines they produce are seriously good.

If you’re after a more substantial meal to soak up the vino, the Mercado do Bolhao is where to head.

Seriously good

The food hall is packed with various counters selling local produce, from meats, fish, fruit and veg to breads and pastries and is, of course, somewhere to grab a tipple.

Or for something fancier, there’s the DOP restaurant, which does a sensational 14-course tasting menu.

Highlights include a meat-free take on carbonara where the pasta is cleverly crafted from squid.

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Taste buds satisfied, I ventured back to Porto to walk off the indulgence along the hilly and cobbled streets of the Miragaia neighbourhood.

It was there that I discovered Livraria Lello — what can only be described as the world’s most beautiful bookshop, housed in a curious neo-Gothic building.

Set over four floors, it features stained-glass windows, intricate woodwork and a grand, imposing central staircase that takes you up to balconies overlooking the lower levels.

Allegedly, the site was an inspiration for Harry Potter author JK Rowling when she lived and taught in the city.

The store certainly has an otherworldly feel to it, although it’s in the basement that the true magic unfolds, with many rare tomes and first editions adorning the shelves.

Otherworldly feel

Entry to the shop is €8 and this can be redeemed against a book purchase, although make sure to get there early to avoid the long queues that form around the block.

Luckily, I’d been staying at the 5H Editory Boulevard Hotel, which is a seven-minute walk from the store, so the early rise wasn’t a problem.

The hotel serves a sensational breakfast that can’t be missed.

That is if you have any room left in your stomach.

It’s safe to say, you won’t go at all hungry or thirsty while in Porto.